Let's not pretend anymore that the tea party movement is harmless. The right to protest is one of our cherished American freedoms. But there is no right to vandalism, no right to threaten our elected officials' lives. Someone is going to get hurt unless those who lead the movement -- and those who exploit it -- start acting like responsible adults.

What are the chances of that?

It was Sarah Palin, the Eva Peron of the tea party crowd, who used Facebook to target 20 Democrats who voted for health-care reform, indicating their districts' locations on a map with the cross hairs of a rifle scope. It was Palin who wrote on Twitter: "Commonsense Conservatives & lovers of America: 'Don't Retreat, Instead -- RELOAD!' Pls see my Facebook page."

That anyone still listens to this person is one of the most unfortunate unintended consequences of social networking.

At least 10 House Democrats have had to request additional security since Sunday's health-care vote. Someone left a coffin on the lawn of Rep. Russ Carnahan's home in Missouri. Glass doors and windows were broken at the district offices of Reps. Louise Slaughter of New York and Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona. Vandals have damaged Democratic Party offices in Wichita, Cincinnati and Rochester, N.Y.ad_icon

And Rep. Bart Stupak of Michigan, whose last-minute compromise on abortion funding guaranteed final passage of the reform act, has received a flood of abusive phone calls at his office and home. Someone faxed him a drawing of a noose. One voice mail, subsequently posted on the Internet, was left by a woman who wanted Stupak to know that "there are millions of people across the country who wish you ill." Another caller was more direct: "You're dead. We know where you live. We'll get you."

One would expect responsible Republican leaders to do everything in their power to lower the temperature. House Minority Leader John Boehner said on Fox News that "violence and threats are unacceptable." Minority Whip Eric Cantor disclosed that he has received numerous threats in the past and that a bullet was fired through the window of his Richmond campaign office last week. Given all this, one would think these two might have intervened Sunday when fellow House Republicans were whipping up the angry tea party crowd at the Capitol.

Some of the vandalism appears to have been inspired by an Alabama blogger, Mike Vanderboegh, who trumpeted the bright idea that opponents of health-care reform should throw bricks at Democratic headquarters across the country. After someone did just that in Rochester, a reporter from the Democrat and Chronicle called Vanderboegh for comment. "I guess that guy's one of ours," Vanderboegh said. "Glad to know people read my blog."

If authorities tried to file any charges against him, Vanderboegh said, a trial "would certainly give me an opportunity to make my case to a larger public." The nature of his "case" may be illuminated by a short story, titled "Absolved," that he published on a right-wing Web site. His fictional protagonist fights to the death against unnamed, uniform-wearing "thugs" -- apparently police -- who have come to his house to confiscate his huge arsenal of guns and explosives.

On Thursday, tea party leaders around the country issued statements strongly denouncing threats or violence against members of Congress or anyone else. A number of the leaders said there was no proof that the perpetrators were members of tea party organizations.

But this strikes me, and probably will strike others, as disingenuous. The tea party movement is fueled by rhetoric that echoes the paranoid ravings of the most extreme right-wing nutcases. When tea party leaders talk about the threat of "socialism" and call for "a new revolution" and vow to "take our country back," they can say they are simply using vivid metaphors. But they cannot plausibly claim to be unaware that there are people -- perhaps on the fringe of the movement, but close enough -- who give every sign of taking these incendiary words literally.

And does anyone doubt that the movement attracts the kind of people who take these words literally?

Organizations such as the Anti-Defamation League and the Southern Poverty Law Center have documented the troubling rise of right-wing militia and "patriot" groups. Political leaders who appropriate and reinforce the extremists' language -- who urge angry people to "reload" -- are being reckless. They must stop this madness before someone gets hurt.

25 comments:

It appears in a small way some sanity might be dawning in the minds of the politcos. A little fear never hurt anyone, when it is from a dose of reality, like a reminder to elected folks that they work for the people.

Some more medicine and just maybe the status quo may be returned to normal... politians fearing and respecting the electorate.

"That anyone still listens to this person is one of the most unfortunate unintended consequences of social networking."

unintended consequences? pray tell, whose intentions? and what, in your estimation, are these intentions behind social networking? and why, might i ask, are you giving the impression that it is a creation of the establishment?

no, certainly, this man is no evil genius. simply an arrogant prole who desperately wants a seat at his master's table. another fool that believes the government produces goods and services.

here's a real unintended consequence of the social networking phenomenon: the death of print and broadcast media.

The hubris, as well as the demonstrated presence of some sort of mind altering drugs in the water supply, of the left (nice way to say, "communist totalitarians") is just simply amazing.

The narrative goes something like this:

1 - Count on the decency of the people you wish to enslave so that when you put your synthesis forward, they smile, nod, and back up a step because they're trying not to be rude and they're practicing, 'live and let live'.

2 - Scream like a wounded pig the moment they stop backing up or when they say, "No, thank you, we don't want your idea...leave us alone!" Start to demonize their value system as 'neanderthal' or 'living in the past' or 'uncaring' or 'wrong headed'.

3 - Demand that others (usually armed LEO's, the military, or mercs) go in and forcibly 'persuade' the 'decent' people to accept your diktat. Nod your head sadly when the body counts are announced, especially if children are killed. Interject statements like, "We did all we could to convince them to come out and just talk with us...."

4 - Piously go forth to major main stream media to announce your inability to understand why these same 'decent' people want nothing to do with your synthesis, and always end with, "something had to be done....for the children."

5 - Always end any crisis with the sadly faced official (on your side, of course), "This had to be done for the public...we may have to do this again, unfortunately."

When I was growing up, there were times I was disciplined with a belt to my seat of learning. Although it was infrequent ( I can count the times on one hand ),I always knew it was there, and available in case I went over the line.

And even though he was hesitant to do it, I knew the consequences. And that knowledge was a great deterrent.

It would be wise, Mr Robinson, for you and your Marxist friends to apply my experience to your present course of action.

What bothers this guy (and all those who agree with him) more than anything else is the fact that they have discovered - to their horror - that there are loimits to what their precious government can shove down our throats before they begin to get some push-back. As one reporter in "tThe Window War" says, be glad that people with guns are throwing bricks.". The events of the past week or so are minor in physical impact, but they should be a 150 decible alarm going off in the minds of every would-be tyrant out there. Too f'ing bad if a very few people have burst their bubbles and given them a dose of reality.

I found this guy's use of the phrase "unintended consequences" to be a delicious irony. Maybe someone should suggest that he read John Ross' book of the same name...but that he read it while sitting on the toilet.

Did I miss something? All I can recall is a few bricks through a few empty storefronts (selling an even emptier message!), someone saying 'the N word' that no one else heard but the 'victim' and a few nasty telephone messages rife with naughty words. And this is proof of a revolution? of the resurgence of the KKK, of barbarians at the gates?

Maybe the Left Progressives should give the same courtesy they give to muslim terrorism that is excused because it is perpetrated by a 'tiny minority' who somehow misunderstand the religion they grew up in. Seems like they are screaming the sky is falling or the social fabric is tearing with little to no provocation. At least not compared to what Leftist/Progressive demonstrators get away with in causes supported by the media/Democrats/progressives (sorry for the redundancy).

Throughout our history it has been largely true that Democrats and other assorted liberals have been the ones to resort to violence in the political arena. Therefore I challenge his assumption that the Republican leadership can call off the likely dogs.

See folks, they really expect us to just bend over and submit to their every diktat. In their eye's, we are nothing more than their subjects ... and in their eye's, they are nothing more than your Kings and Queens ... your masters.

America is a nation that was born in violence. The history is undeniable. It is written in black and white for any person to read....who can/wants to read it. Eugene has not availed himself of that opportunity methinks.

Eugene is conveniently ignorant. I have been a lifelong student of history and finding the truth, good bad, ugly or whatever. Many folks like Eugene like to look at only that part of history that fits their ideology.

The founders gave us the tools and made it out duty to, if we ever faced what they faced, do the same thing again. If a bad guy broke into my home at 2:00 am and threatened to harm my family and I, then I have to pick up the 12 ga riot shotgun by my bed and commit a hideously violent act, but one that would be fully justified.

It is funny how hypocrisy affects history for some folks. I am a child of the 50's and college student of the 60's and remeber the Viet Nam War protests well. Obama's best friend, Bill Ayers, was convincted and went to prison for bombing buildings and hurting people. Acts he is unrepentant for today. Funny how that is overlooked by the lefties.

And mike has received dozens of death threats in responses to this blog, from the same left side of the aisle.

If Eugene condems throwing bricks as a violent act, and suggests that this kind of thing has no place today, he is ignorant of our history and the Idea that is America.

Yeah, this is the one I referenced in an earlier comment thread. Guess MBV was writing about it. :)

Robinson's pretty much a lily-livered dolt. I can't even remember the last time he wrote something useful, or even insightful.

Oh, and Johnnyreb: Read? Are you kidding? My comment earlier mocked Robinson for not actually reading the first chapter of Absolved, instead relegating it to 'old man kills cops'. They may see letters and words, but I doubt they actually comprehend what they see.

This is a wonderful look into how a "Drive by Media""reporter" does its job and lies by omission.

Eugene Robinson said;"The nature of his "case" may be illuminated by a short story, titled "Absolved," that he published on a right-wing Web site. His fictional protagonist fights to the death against unnamed, uniform-wearing "thugs" -- apparently police"

Most people can figure out it it the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. The F.B.I. is mentioned so you could safely assume that they are federal law extortion professionals.

Eugene Robinson said;""thugs" -- apparently police -- who have come to his house to confiscate his huge arsenal of guns and explosives."

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms is the agency that does this primarily.I guess mike could have had Phil Gordon notice the big yellow ATF markings on the bad guys vests as he shoots them. But why?

This also proves my theory that most reporters don't read.

Nothing in the story would lead you to the conclusion that Phil Cordon's collection was huge large perhaps, but not huge.A good rule of thumb for you reporters is that a small collection has at least ten guns with several being the same model. Also one thousand rounds of ammo is not much. In the last competition I participated in individual shooters used that much in the qualifying and preliminary rounds.An arsenal is a place of manufacture of arms and explosives Would the fictional Phil Cordon's home really qualify?

Now Mike if you had that book finished this article might translate into sales!So back to the salt mine and finish that book!So we can give you money for copies of it! Love, Happy D

If you want to put a stop to the ADL's BS, make it plain to the leadership of outfits like AIPAC, the AJCmte & the Conference of Presidents that the ADL's behavior toward a large part of America has been noticed, then remind them that these same Americans the ADL's lying about & demonizing also happen to be the ones who are Israel's most reliable & open non-Jewish supporters & that their continued support depends on what they do to about the ADL's bigoted attitude. As blacks & the Left have, in a delicious bit of irony, largely turned against Jews/Israel respectively, it isn't smart to alienate those who are rapidly becoming the only real friends Jews & Israel have for political purposes.

"Progress made under the shadow of the policeman's club is false progress."

I believe that liberty is the only genuinely valuable thing that men have invented, at least in the field of government, in a thousand years. I believe that it is better to be free than to be not free, even when the former is dangerous and the latter safe. I believe that the finest qualities of man can flourish only in free air – that progress made under the shadow of the policeman's club is false progress, and of no permanent value. I believe that any man who takes the liberty of another into his keeping is bound to become a tyrant, and that any man who yields up his liberty, in however slight the measure, is bound to become a slave. -- H.L. Mencken

On the efficacy of passive resistance in the face of the collectivist beast. . .

Had the Japanese got as far as India, Gandhi's theories of "passive resistance" would have floated down the Ganges River with his bayoneted, beheaded carcass. -- Mike Vanderboegh.

In the future . . .

When the histories are written, “National Rifle Association” will be cross-referenced with “Judenrat.” -- Mike Vanderboegh to Sebastian at "Snowflakes in Hell"

"Smash the bloody mirror."

If you find yourself through the looking glass, where the verities of the world you knew and loved no longer apply, there is only one thing to do. Knock the Red Queen on her ass, turn around, and smash the bloody mirror. -- Mike Vanderboegh

From Kurt Hoffman over at Armed and Safe.

"I believe that being despised by the despicable is as good as being admired by the admirable."

From long experience myself, I can only say, "You betcha."

"Only cowards dare cringe."

The fears of man are many. He fears the shadow of death and the closed doors of the future. He is afraid for his friends and for his sons and of the specter of tomorrow. All his life's journey he walks in the lonely corridors of his controlled fears, if he is a man. For only fools will strut, and only cowards dare cringe. -- James Warner Bellah, "Spanish Man's Grave" in Reveille, Curtis Publishing, 1947.

"We fight an enemy that never sleeps."

"As our enemies work bit by bit to deconstruct, we must work bit by bit to REconstruct. Be mindful where we should be. Set goals. We fight an enemy that never sleeps. We must learn to sleep less." -- Mike H. at What McAuliffe Said

"The Fate of Unborn Millions. . ."

"The time is now near at hand which must probably determine, whether Americans are to be, Freemen, or Slaves; whether they are to have any property they can call their own; whether their Houses, and Farms, are to be pillaged and destroyed, and they consigned to a State of Wretchedness from which no human efforts will probably deliver them. The fate of unborn Millions will now depend, under God, on the Courage and Conduct of this army-Our cruel and unrelenting Enemy leaves us no choice but a brave resistance, or the most abject submission; that is all we can expect-We have therefore to resolve to conquer or die." -- George Washington to his troops before the Battle of Long Island.

"We will not go gently . . ."

This is no small thing, to restore a republic after it has fallen into corruption. I have studied history for years and I cannot recall it ever happening. It may be that our task is impossible. Yet, if we do not try then how will we know it can't be done? And if we do not try, it most certainly won't be done. The Founders' Republic, and the larger war for western civilization, will be lost.

But I tell you this: We will not go gently into that bloody collectivist good night. Indeed, we will make with our defiance such a sound as ALL history from that day forward will be forced to note, even if they despise us in the writing of it.

And when we are gone, the scattered, free survivors hiding in the ruins of our once-great republic will sing of our deeds in forbidden songs, tending the flickering flame of individual liberty until it bursts forth again, as it must, generations later. We will live forever, like the Spartans at Thermopylae, in sacred memory.

-- Mike Vanderboegh, The Lessons of Mumbai:Death Cults, the "Socialism of Imbeciles" and Refusing to Submit, 1 December 2008

"A common language of resistance . . ."

"Colonial rebellions throughout the modern world have been acts of shared political imagination. Unless unhappy people develop the capacity to trust other unhappy people, protest remains a local affair easily silenced by traditional authority. Usually, however, a moment arrives when large numbers of men and women realize for the first time that they enjoy the support of strangers, ordinary people much like themselves who happen to live in distant places and whom under normal circumstances they would never meet. It is an intoxicating discovery. A common language of resistance suddenly opens to those who are most vulnerable to painful retribution the possibility of creating a new community. As the conviction of solidarity grows, parochial issues and aspirations merge imperceptibly with a compelling national agenda which only a short time before may have been the dream of only a few. For many Americans colonists this moment occurred late in the spring of 1774." -- T.H. Breen, The Marketplace of Revolution: How Consumer Politics Shaped American Independence, Oxford University Press, 2004, p.1.